Implementation of a Federated Laboratories Network for Testing Formation Flying Technologies
- Paper ID
84713
- DOI
- author
- company
Sapienza University of Rome; Cranfield University; Cranfield University, Cranfield UK; Cranfield University, UK; Luleå University of Technology; Department of Space Engineering, Lulea University of Technology
- country
Italy
- year
2024
- abstract
Formations of microsatellites are a highly attractive solution for achieving responsive space missions focused on Earth observation and communication support, due to their low cost and mass. However, experimental verification of the control, navigation, and intersatellite communication of a formation of microsatellites is not an easy task. For testing the attitude and orbital control of a single satellite, free floating platforms are often used. These platforms move frictionlessly on a smooth horizontal working surface thanks to air bearings that create a very thin film of pressured air between the platform and the surface. In this way, attitude reorientation maneuvers, proximity operations, rendezvous, and docking can be simulated. However, when formations of satellites are involved, two or more platforms are required with a larger working volume and multiplication of all the necessary subsystems. This can result in a not affordable increase in cost and technical complexity. This paper presents the design architecture for distributing the experimental activity over a network of Federated Laboratories (located at the School of Aerospace Engineering – Sapienza, Italy, Cranfield University – Unite Kingdom, Luleå University of Technology – Sweden), developed in the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme. Just like in the satellites’ formation case, also in the federated laboratories case the result is obtained by sharing the technological capabilities of the single laboratory, with other similar (but not identical) laboratories spread over different countries. The advantages are clear: each laboratory can use its own capabilities originally thought for the test of the single satellite, and transform them in a satellite formation test rig. The different capabilities of each laboratory (for example: different sensors, vision-based systems, navigation systems and so on) can be of use and shared with all the other connected platforms, once a communication architecture among the laboratories is set-up. Communication delays among distance countries are a challenge that replicate the inter-satellite communication latency in space. The first results for the implementation of the federated satellite infrastructure, consisting in the assessment of a baseline formation flying mission, GNC architecture definition and pathway to experimental verification, will be reported and commented. New industrial actors are interested in the capabilities of formation of microsatellites; their immature technology level calls for extensive experimental campaigns that are slowing the realization of such missions. The availability of the proposed Federated Laboratories could foster the design of this new, more agile and responsive space missions.